The
pandemic of Covid-19 which has spread to various provinces in Indonesia has
caused anxiety among the communities, including in Soe, South Central Timor
regency, East Nusa Tenggara. The provincial and regencial governments have been
massively warning the community to always wear masks and wash their hands when
going out of their house. In fact, besides the efforts of the local government,
there are also the participation of various social institutions to campaign
information and prevent the spread of Covid-19 from spreading, while also
educating the public to adopt clean and healthy lifestyle.
The
writer took part in this activity as a field staff at Karya Wiguna Indonesia
Foundation, an institution engaged in health, education, agriculture and also
clean water solutions in collaboration with Lutheran Church in Indonesia. The
writer joined the foundation since January 2020 to work in the service area of Timor
island after previously being part of Stube-HEMAT Yogyakarta.
During
April 2-17, 2020, through activities on prevention and socialization of Covid
19, many relief packages consist of masks, soap and poster were distributed to
the church members of Lutheran Church Indonesia in South Central Timor regency,
such as in Nonohonis, Kot'olin, and Nunusunu. A total of 580 masks of various
sizes were distributed to children and adults and there were 280 soap packets
distributed with two bars for each family. For education about Covid-19 I
played a short video and put posters containing steps to prevent Covid-19 at
the churches. There are 11 churches in dispersed locations received the relief
supports. The challenges to reach the churches were not easy with winding
roads, rocky and climbing steep hills, even sometimes crossing rivers. It was
great when we reached our destination, met and interacted with the church
members which mostly worked as corn farmers.
The posters that were distributed contained steps to prevent Covid-19, first, keeping a minimum distance of 1 meter from one to another / prohibited to mingle. Second, washing hands with soap in running water at least 20 seconds after doing something. Third, not touching face area, like mouth, nose and eyes before washing hands. Fourth, covering mouth and nose with elbow folded when coughing or sneezing, or with tissue and immediately throw it into closed trash bin. Fifth, being productive at home, school at home, work from home, and held worship from home.
The warning and socialization are important but the main point is the people’s behavior to carry out all protocols with discipline, and completed with prayer and surrender to God, because prayer contains hope and strength for daily activities. This activity is also a means to greet church members and to encourage them to continue to rely on God as helper in life and to provide way out of every problem.
Although this activity is simple, the local community felt that it was so meaningful, as due to the dispersed location, people here have limited access. Hopefully, the pandemic of Covid-19 will soon subside and the community can do activities again normally. Keep the spirit to work, protect yourself and others. May God bless and take care of us.
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